BrookeAaron124's Journal, 10 August 2010

Yes, it can get tiring. But that's really your cue to move onto Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL), the 2nd phase of Atkins. Systematically, you add carbs and additional food variety. Although your weight loss will slow in this phase, it allows you much more variety, all based on what your body can handle. No one is meant to eat forever under the constraints of Atkins Induction! Review the newest Atkins book and/or hop on over to the Atkins site for more info on the 2nd (of 4) stages of Atkins and how to implement it appropriately. Good luck! 

Don't give up, you have done so well. Yes it can get boring but you don't have to watch your calories too much, isn't it more important to watch your net carbs? I am fairly new to Atkins and at times miss the fruit, ice cream, etc but I feel so much healthier now and in control of the carb monster. I would hate to see you give up so close to goal. Like Sandy701 said maybe you should look at OWL and allow yourself more choices. But again you don't have to watch those calories too much. I know I don't like to go about 1500 but you can get a lot of food in below that number especially when its all veggies - lol. Good luck. If you click on my link there is a great lady "buddy" called ctlss who would be great to contact. She has been a big help to me and has lost so much weight. Also iamtig another buddy - please don't give up just yet.  

It's important to get calories. It is suggested that you have at least 1200 each day. That is because your brain, kidneys, liver, and skeletal muscle use that many calories every day just to function effectively. You may want to find a calorie calculator online that will give you the amount of calories that will allow you to loose but still supply your body with what it needs to run at its best. Also, Atkins recommends moving up rather than going off the plan if you need more variety. Most people can increase their carbs and still loose weight. There you can add some berries and eventually other fruits. They are a refreshing addition. Hang in there. 

It depends on what the carbs are. I beleive there are 'good carbs' and 'bad carbs' - unfortunately, mac and cheese and ice cream would fall into my 'bad carbs' category :-( But they do make a pasta from brown rice that has a lower glycemic index, and Haagen Dazs sorbets are actually quite delicious - the chocolate one is my favorite. Still a bad carb, but a lower calorie one, at least. Berries are at the top of my 'good carbs' list. I find if I get enough natural carbs from fruit then I actually don't crave the bad carbs at all. But when I cut the good carbs, too, I can't stop thinking about them...